Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
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ADVOCACY

Priorities

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WE SUPPORT

Alcohol Wholesale and Retail Sales Reform: Work to update state alcohol sales and distribution laws to allow our members to sell and merchandise alcohol (beer, wine and spirits) in any quantity, at any register and in the aisles of their stores. Also, work toward increased access to available licenses for interested retailers. Finally, create a competitive market-based wholesale distribution system for delivery and purchase of products by retailers.

Some specific changes include allowance of RTD spirits-based beverages, aisle merchandising of product, spirits-to-go permit and elimination of the single-register requirement.

Tax Relief for Frontline Workers:  PFMA supports efforts to provide essential workers with a retroactive tax holiday in recognition of their work through the pandemic.

Liability Safe Harbors for Retailers: PFMA supports liability safe harbor protections for retailers operating and enforcement guidelines established for COVID-19 related operations. 

Change/Extend the SNAP Distribution Schedule (Toohil and Argall): PFMA supports legislation that would adjust the SNAP distribution schedule to allow for a longer distribution period during which recipients would receive their monthly benefits. Currently, recipients receive their benefits in the first 10 days of the month. Last session, PFMA supported HB 299 and SB 285 sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil and Sen. David Argall, respectively. 

Price Gouging/Emergency Declaration Reform Legislation: PFMA supports legislation to update the price gouging law and emergency declaration process to benefit consumers and businesses alike. These changes were encompassed in SB 139, sponsored last session by Sen. Judy Ward. The legislation will be reintroduced. 

VGT/Gaming Legislative Changes: PFMA supports changes to the gaming expansion legislation passed in 2017 that would allow easier access to qualified Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) retail establishments. These include clarifications of parking requirements, reimbursement for facility buildouts and diesel gallonage requirements. Also, PFMA supports an increase in the profit rate that truck stops/retailers can secure from their gaming operations. 

PBM Transparency: PFMA supports increased transparency and oversight of the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who administer prescription drug benefit programs.

Regulatory Reform: PFMA supports efforts to reform and streamline the regulatory landscape on the state level. This includes rescinding any harmful regulations that are currently in place and preventing new and harmful regulations from being enacted.

Workforce Development Funding and Opportunities: PFMA supports enhanced opportunities and funding for workforce development programs in the Commonwealth, specifically around efforts to increase opportunities for citizens returning to the workplace. 

Protecting Net Operating Loss Carrybacks: 
​​PFMA supports the continuation of LIFO accounting for new federal spending legislation.
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WE OPPOSE

Increasing the State Cigarette Tax or Instituting New/Additional Taxes on OTP or E-Cigarettes: Work to prevent any proposed increases to the state cigarette tax as well as the implementation of new taxes on e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. These taxes were increased in 2016.

State Sales Tax Rate Increase and Base Expansion: Halt attempts to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent and expand the base to additional products. 

Mandatory Statewide Paid and Unpaid Leave: PFMA opposes government-mandated statewide paid and unpaid leave ordinances. 
Property Tax Elimination/Tax Shift: PFMA opposes the elimination of property taxes, which would require a dramatic increase in the personal income tax and sales tax.
 
Menu Labeling Requirements: PFMA opposes state legislation that would require additional product/menu labeling by retailers and manufacturers in the Commonwealth. PFMA believes this is a federal issue and should be handled as such. 

Bottle Deposit Bill Legislation: PFMA opposes legislation that would add fees to beverage containers for redemption by retailers and consumers at redemption centers. 

Plastic Containers, Bags and Packaging Bans: PFMA opposes banning plastic bags, containers and packaging. We support increased recycling programs, consumer education and sustainability programs to help address this issue.

Predictive Scheduling: PFMA opposes government-mandated scheduling legislation, which would interfere and disrupt the employee/employer relationship. Also, such legislation would prohibit flexibility in an employee’s schedule at their own request.

Repeal of Net Operating Loss Carrybacks: PFMA opposes the retroactive repeal of the net operating loss relief included in the CARES Act.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let us know how we can work for you!

email

pfma@pfma.net
​

phone

(717) 731-0600
(800) 543-8207

address

1029 Mumma Road
Wormleysburg, PA  17043


The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
All Rights Reserved. © 2021
​
Website by WebLink International
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Corporate Leadership Program
    • Our Team >
      • Contact us
      • Work at PFMA
    • Antitrust Statement
  • Membership
    • Retail Membership
    • Associate Membership
    • For members
  • Advocacy
    • Issues >
      • Federal Issues
      • State Issues
      • Philadelphia Issues
      • Pittsburgh/Allegheny Co Issues
      • Other regions issues
    • Priorities
    • Committees
    • FoodPAC
  • News & Publications
    • News Releases
    • Spectrum magazine
    • Videos and podcasts
    • Reports
    • Advertising rates
  • Events
    • 2022 Annual Conference
    • Calendar
  • Services
    • Scholarships
    • Resources and training >
      • COVID-19
      • Member Resources
      • Emergency planning
      • A Bag's Life
      • Helpful links
    • Pennsylvania Coupon Redemption Services >
      • The PCRS process
      • Sample coupon policy
    • Retail Price Accuracy >
      • SCP Request Information
    • Endorsed services & Partners
    • Job bank
  • Buyers Guide